If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, Grand Circle travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at FREE or low-cost Single Supplements, saving up to $5000 per person.

FREE or Low-Cost Single Supplements

If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, Grand Circle travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at FREE or low-cost Single Supplements, saving up to $5000 per person.

FREE Single Supplements on All Adventures and Extensions

If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, OAT travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at no extra cost, saving up to $3795 per person.

Grand Circle Foundation: Single Supplements

There is a supplement of $425 for single room accommodations. Single rooms are very limited.

With our Vacation Ambassador Referral Program, you can earn $5900 or more in CASH for referring new travelers to 2015 trips, whether they travel with you or on their own. And new travelers save $100 instantly when they reserve their first vacation. With more rewards, more choices and more time, we're offering the most generous rewards package in the travel industry.

Day by Day Itinerary

Take this South American tour and discover a spellbinding blend of native cultures and international influences as you cross the continent from Santiago to Buenos Aires. Your tour begins in Santiago, Chile's Andean capital city, from which you can explore the captivating Pacific coast. You'll then visit Puerto Varas, your jumping-off point for tours of the breathtakingly beautiful lakes region, and the perfect place to interact with locals and to savor delectable deserts with a surprising German influence. Next, cross the Andes Mountains to Bariloche for a chocolate-covered taste of the Alps in the heart of Patagonia. Your tour concludes in the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, where included sightseeing, exclusive Discovery Series events, and your own wanderings will give you a fascinating glimpse of South American daily life.

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You will touch down in the Chilean capital this morning to begin your South American tour, where your Program Director will meet you and assist with the transfer to your hotel. While you wait to check into your room, take part in a guided orientation walk, giving you the lay of the land in your Santiago neighborhood.

Early this afternoon, meet your travel companions, including those who took our optional pre-trip extension to Peru: Machu Picchu, Cuzco & Lima, and your Program Director. Then, depart for a nearby family-owned winery, where you’ll enjoy a tour on one of Chile’s most famous exports. Here, you’ll also sit down with fellow travelers for a delicious Welcome Dinner.

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This morning, enjoy a Welcome Briefing, during which you'll learn some more details of what's to come in South America, before embarking on your tour of Santiago.

Home to a third of Chile's 16 million people, Santiago rests at the confluence of the Mapocho and Maipu rivers, surrounded on all sides by Andean peaks. To be sure, it's a breathtaking setting for a capital that has witnessed a remarkable history—from settlement by conquistadores in 1541 to the Marxist, military, and finally, democratic governments of the 20th century.

This morning, pass through Providencia, a district of great tradition and strong commercial and social activity. Then begin your included city tour with a ride through the residential districts of Bellavista, and Las Condes, where you will see beautiful homes and parks. As you continue, you'll see several historic monuments and buildings, including the Palacio de la Moneda, the current seat of the government. Stop for a stroll at the city's most important plaza, the Plaza de Armas, which has been the heart of Santiago since its origin in 1541. Ringing the plaza are many important buildings that are considered national monuments. Here you see the Correo Central (main post office), Iglesia Catedral (Cathedral Church), the Municipalidad de Santiago (City Hall), and the National Historic Museum. Nearby, you find the Mercado Central (Central Market), an elegant wrought-iron structure inaugurated in 1872 as the site of a National Exhibition. Now it is the city's central market, filled with colorful stalls and seafood eateries (called marisquerias). Here, you'll enjoy an included lunch.

Tonight, enjoy a discussion on Chilean history and the country's most controversial leaders: Allende and Pinochet.

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Today, set off to the Chilean northwest on a full-day tour to Valparaiso. Valparaiso is an important Chilean port city (and a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site), where 17 hills tower over the "basin" district. Enjoy an included visit to La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda's home, where you'll learn about the life and legacy of this great local poet.The city's distinctive features include meandering cobblestone streets and ancient ascensores—electric cable cars that climb into hillside neighborhoods and afford splendid sea views. You'll ride one of these ascensores up the hill for one of the many views of Valparaiso, then walk through the colorful streets, known for the colorful public art on the walls. Learn more about this cultural heritage, and make your own contribution to a work in progress, during an exclusive Graffiti Art of Valparaiso Discovery Series event.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. Enjoy the evening and dinner at your leisure.

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After an early breakfast, transfer to the Santiago airport for your group's flight to Puerto Montt. You'll arrive in the early afternoon, and then transfer to Puerto Varas.

After checking into your hotel, you'll enjoy a taste of everyday, family-centered Chilean life as a guest at a local horse-breeding ranch. During this exclusive Discovery Series event, you'll see how a farm family lives and works—and witness a Chilean rodeo demonstration as well. Enjoy a tasty homemade meal at the ranch in the company of these welcoming people.

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This morning, gather for an exclusive Discovery Series discussion on the fascinating Mapuche people native to this area. While the Mapuche only make up about four percent of Chile's total population, their traditions surrounding the extended family and their agricultural customs have had widespread influences.

Then depart for Petrohue Falls, where you can explore the lush setting surrounding the rapids. Petrohue Falls is located just a short distance downstream from Lake Todos los Santos, and the chute-like waterfall is supported by basaltic lava. Enjoy the views of Osorno Volcano in the distance.

Later, enjoy a visit to Angelmo Fish Market with your Program Director. Walk amidst the bustling stalls and browse some of the local seafood found in the nearby Chilean lakes. Perhaps sample the local curanto stew, a mixture of meat, seafood, and vegetable, and admire an array of dried shellfish. Then you’ll enjoy some time at leisure and lunch on your own in the area.

You'll also have a presentation about tomorrow's travel through the Andes, to prepare you for what promises to be a rewarding and scenic, if long, day. Enjoy a pisco sour tasting with your Program Director, then savor dinner at local restaurant.

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Be prepared for an early start and a long—but very rewarding—day of travel today. You'll travel by motorcoach for about nine hours while making a passage through the Andes from Chile into Argentina. En route, you'll stop at Villa la Angostura in Argentina for lunch on your own. Despite its location in the mountains, this tiny village is warm and inviting, and you'll enjoy strolling through it after lunch.

Arrive at your hotel in Bariloche in the early evening, just in time for an included dinner.

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Today Patagonia bids you bienvenidos as you awaken in Bariloche. Officially called San Carlos de Bariloche, this city is a curious amalgam of cultural influences. Its buildings recall the Austrian Tyrol in their design. Many of the ranches dotting the outlying Patagonian plains remain English-owned and run, worked by Chilean peons from over the border. (Film buffs: This is the territory where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid made their real-life last stand.)

Bookended by stark granite peaks and mirrored in 40-mile-long Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is, quite literally, a breath of fresh air. Discover this on a panoramic tour this morning, which includes a visit to Campanario Hill. You’ll go on to take in breathtaking views of the lake. Ride a chairlift to the top of Campanario Hill for spectacular views of the mountains (if the weather is clear). The lake is studded with fir tree-covered islands. After that, you will enjoy an exclusive Discovery Series visit to a traditional brewery, where you'll have lunch and learn how this family prepares local beer.

This afternoon, enjoy time at your leisure. Dinner is on your own tonight.

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This morning, enjoy an exclusive Discovery Series discussion on the Nazi presence in Patagonia during World War II. Later, you'll depart for the Patagonian steppe, where you'll be the guests on a Patagonian working ranch. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the ranch and its grounds, learn about life in the windy Patagonian steppes, and enjoy a traditional lamb barbecue lunch.

The afternoon is free for your own discovery. Perhaps you will visit the Museo de la Patagonia, with its archaeological, historical and cultural displays, or enjoy a walk through the beautiful City Center. Or you can join us for an optional Floating in the Limay River cruise, to enjoy the steppe landscape and fresh air while you float along by raft.

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After breakfast, you'll have some time to bid Bariloche adios before transferring to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. You'll arrive in the late afternoon and continue to your hotel.

The most memorable part of your visit to this charming city may well be tonight’s dinner. Take a seat at the table of an Argentine family, share their evening meal, chat, learn about each other, and make new friends.

Prepare yourself for an evening seasoned with good conversation and fellowship.

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After breakfast, set off on an included half-day tour of Buenos Aires. You'll see the city's elegant mixture of Spanish Colonial architecture and several traditional European styles. Visit Avenida de Mayo, which runs into Plaza de Mayo, where many buildings important to Argentine history are centered. See the Casa Rosada (Government House); the Metropolitan Cathedral; and the Cabildo, the first City Hall built during Spanish rule.

Next, you'll visit La Boca, Buenos Aires' first merchant and fishing port. You'll have time to visit the famous Caminito, an outdoor museum and art show where painters offer their tango pictures, or stroll along the renovated waterfront promenade.

Your tour passes by the beautiful Colon Theater. Built in 1908, this is one of the world's most famous opera houses, and international stars vie to perform here as they do at Milan's La Scala and Vienna's State Opera House. Continue on to the final resting place of Eva "Evita" Peron, the Duarte tomb at the Recoleta Cemetery. The cemetery is in the Recoleta district, an area of elegant homes, fashionable restaurants and shops.

Lunch is on your own. The rest of your afternoon is at leisure for you to discover Buenos Aires.

This evening, join a tango lesson and learn the basic steps of Argentina’s fiery, passionate, signature dance. Before it was a dance, tango was a sound—a composite of rhythms and voices born out of the slums of Buenos Aires, where a diaspora of Europeans, Africans, and idle, discharged local soldiers congregated and sang their tales of solitude and struggle. From the music emerged the dance, and that unique and passionate mix came to encapsulate, in the opinions of many, the Argentine national character.

Interestingly though, the tango was not always the celebrated tradition it is now. Many Argentines viewed its humble origins and sensual stylings as unsavory at best—and vulgar at worst. The tango had to cross the Atlantic and become the red-hot rage of Europe before it found favor in its native land. And in recent years, it has undergone a revival, receiving an injection of modern energy from artists like Astor Piazzola and receiving broader national (and international) exposure through TV, radio, and touring tango troupes.

While your steps may not be as sure as the most seasoned tanguero, you’ll learn the basics during this special lesson—certainly enough to impress the folks back home.

Now that you’ve learned the basics of the tango, you have the opportunity to see how it’s really done. Tonight, watch some of the best tango dancers and musicians in Argentina perform at a sophisticated supper club during an optional tango show and dinner.

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Today, experience a change of pace from city life as you take a Discovery Series tour of the area where the Parana River empties into the Rio de la Plata on its way into the Atlantic, forming a huge delta. This exotic landscape is just half an hour from the city but seems a million miles away. Traditional houses on pilotes (stilts) are surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation, and are built on islands that are separated by a twisting maze of waterways.

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride in this scenic area, which is one of Latin America's most amazing wetland environments. You'll sail through the many islands that populate the rivers of the delta, and take in the lush, subtropical scenery and plant life. Then, enjoy an included lunch, followed by a visit to a local school (when in session) supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation, where you'll have the opportunity to get to know students and teachers there.

Later, after returning to your hotel, you will attend an exclusive Discovery Series discussion on Argentina Today, highlighting the current state of Argentina's economy and political scene.

Then toast your adventures and companions from your South American tour at tonight's Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 13

Buenos Aires

Meals included:B

After breakfast at the hotel together, enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Buenos Aires before lunch on your own. Tonight, fly back to the U.S. or continue on our Brazil's Iguassu Falls & Rio de Janeiro post-trip extension.

Extensions

More than a third of our travelers have reserved this extension in 2015

Lima, the "capital of the New World," encompasses the last five centuries of Peruvian history. Cuzco is your window into the life and culture of the Inca people. And then there’s Machu Picchu, the Incan city in the sky that has only begun to reveal its mysteries since archaeologists began their explorations some 60 years ago.

Discover the dual nature of Brazil, a country of both impossibly pristine landscapes and cosmopolitan cities. On this post-trip extension, you'll fly to Iguassu Falls, a spectacular series of cataracts on the Brazil-Argentina border. Then fly to Rio de Janeiro, where you'll scale Corcovado Mountain to visit the city's iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer high above Guanabara Bay.

Optional Tours

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Floating in the Limay River

Day 9 $75 per person

Join us for an up-close look at the vast Northern Patagonian steppe through the amphitheater of the Limay River. A popular site for fly-fishing, this river is home to an abundance of large rainbow and brown trout. Enjoy the steppe landscape and fresh air while you and your fellow travelers float leisurely by raft.

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Tango Show

Day 11 $95 per person

Now that you've learned the basics of the tango, see how it's really done. Join us this evening for a taste of local culture at a sophisticated tango club. You'll begin the night with dinner and good conversation with your fellow travelers. After dinner, enjoy a show by some of the most professional tango dancers in Buenos Aires accompanied by a live tango orchestra. The cost of this optional tour includes dinner.

Traveler Reviews

There's no better way to learn what a trip is like than from the firsthand experiences of your fellow travelers, and our Traveler Reviews are the real deal—unbiased and unedited—giving you an honest appraisal of the experiences that await you on this trip.

Please note: If you have taken this trip, please log into your My Account & return to this page. You will be prompted to post your review. Reviews are limited to 10,000 characters. Due to our moderation process, please allow up to 72 hours for your review to appear.

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Questions and Answers

Want to know more about one of our vacations? Now, when you post a question, travelers who have been on that trip can provide you with an honest, unbiased answer based on their experience—providing you with a true insider’s perspective.

Questions and Answers

Want to know more about one of our vacations? Now, when you post a question, travelers who have been on that trip can provide you with an honest, unbiased answer based on their experience—providing you with a true insider’s perspective.

Weather & Regional

Before you travel, we encourage you to learn about the region of the world you'll discover on this trip. From weather and currency information to details on population, geography, and local history, you'll find a comprehensive introduction to your destinations below.

Visit our “What to Know” page to find information about the level of activity to expect, vaccination information resources, and visa requirements specific to this vacation.

South of the equator, the seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Santiago’s year-round climate is often compared to that of southern California. During your travel season, daytime highs are typically in the 70s and low 80s. Nights are significantly cooler. From Santiago to the south, the climate evolves much like that of the coastline from San Francisco north to Alaska. Puerto Varas is almost the same latitude south as Portland, Oregon, is north. This is the gateway to the Chilean Lake District, and the whole area has a climate similar to that of Washington and Oregon. The region’s climate is changeable, cool, and wet.

Jan

Avg. High87

Avg. Low54

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.1

Feb

Avg. High86

Avg. Low53

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.6

Mar

Avg. High83

Avg. Low50

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.2

Apr

Avg. High75

Avg. Low45

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.6

May

Avg. High67

Avg. Low40

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.5

June

Avg. High62

Avg. Low38

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.6

July

Avg. High61

Avg. Low36

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2

Aug

Avg. High64

Avg. Low38

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.5

Sept

Avg. High68

Avg. Low42

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.6

Oct

Avg. High75

Avg. Low45

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.4

Nov

Avg. High81

Avg. Low48

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.5

Dec

Avg. High85

Avg. Low52

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.2

Area: 292,258 square miles

Capital: Santiago

Languages: Spanish is the official language; Mapudungun is also spoken.

Location: Chile is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Argentina, and Peru.

Geography: One third of Chile is covered by the Andes. Five distinct geographical regions make up the country: the Northern Desert, the Central Valley, the Lake District, Patagonia in the south, and remote Easter Island 2,400 miles offshore in the Pacific.

Time zone: Chile is on Chile Standard Time, the same time as U.S. EST. When it is 6am in New York, it is also 6am in Santiago.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The Chilean peso is the basic unit of currency in Chile. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

South of the equator, the seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. In Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, official high temperatures in summer are usually in the 80s with the humidity it often feels much hotter. The changeable spring and mild fall of Buenos Aires are similar to those seasons in New York City, but the proximity of the South Atlantic makes winter temperatures milder than New York's comparable months and the possibility of snow almost nonexistent. The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable. Temperatures tend to vary throughout Patagonia, regardless of the time of year. It rains variably all year, especially between March and October.

Jan

Avg. High84

Avg. Low67

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.5

Feb

Avg. High82

Avg. Low65

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1

Mar

Avg. High79

Avg. Low63

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.5

Apr

Avg. High71

Avg. Low56

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1

May

Avg. High65

Avg. Low50

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1

June

Avg. High60

Avg. Low46

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.5

July

Avg. High58

Avg. Low43

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1

Aug

Avg. High64

Avg. Low46

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1

Sept

Avg. High66

Avg. Low49

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.7

Oct

Avg. High71

Avg. Low56

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.6

Nov

Avg. High76

Avg. Low59

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.7

Dec

Avg. High81

Avg. Low64

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.2

Area: 1,068,296 square miles

Capital: Buenos Aires

Languages: Spanish is the official language; Mapudungun, German, and English are also spoken.

Geography: Located in the South and West Hemisphere, Argentina features a diverse landscape ranging from the ice fields of Patagonia to the fertile pampas to the Andes Mountains.

Population: 40,301,927

Religions: Roman Catholic 92%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%.

Time zone: Argentine time is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and, thus, one hour ahead of Chilean time.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The Argentine peso is the official currency of Argentina. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

Brazil features five climatic regions, including equatorial, tropical, semi-arid, highland tropical, and subtropical. In northern Brazil the climate is mostly tropical, south of the Tropic of Capricorn, near the city of São Paulo, there is a temperate climate. There is little variation near the equator, where temperatures are high. Rio de Janeiro enjoys a warm coastal climate along with relief from the trade winds.

Jan

Avg. High83

Avg. Low65

Avg. Inches of Precipitation6

Feb

Avg. High83

Avg. Low65

Avg. Inches of Precipitation4.9

Mar

Avg. High83

Avg. Low65

Avg. Inches of Precipitation5.6

Apr

Avg. High83

Avg. Low63

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.8

May

Avg. High82

Avg. Low59

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.7

June

Avg. High80

Avg. Low54

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.1

July

Avg. High80

Avg. Low54

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

Aug

Avg. High83

Avg. Low56

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.6

Sept

Avg. High86

Avg. Low62

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.4

Oct

Avg. High86

Avg. Low65

Avg. Inches of Precipitation4

Nov

Avg. High83

Avg. Low65

Avg. Inches of Precipitation7

Dec

Avg. High82

Avg. Low65

Avg. Inches of Precipitation6

Area: 3,286,470 square miles

Capital: Brasilia

Languages: Portuguese is the official language; English is also spoken.

Time Zone: Brazil has four time zones. When it is 6am in New York, it is 7am in Rio de Janeiro.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The Real is the monetary unit of Brazil. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

Peru’s climate varies considerably by region, although the months of January through March are the wettest in the highlands (Cuzco). Coastal areas are hot and humid during those months, but are cooled during the rest of the year by the fog from the ocean known as La Garúa. The western slopes of the Andes are clear, warm, and dry most of the year. Up in the mountains, the temperature drops considerably at night. The eastern slopes of the Andes and the Amazon basin get very heavy rainfall during their wet season, which lasts from January through April.

Jan

Avg. High80

Avg. Low69

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.6

Feb

Avg. High82

Avg. Low69

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

Mar

Avg. High81

Avg. Low68

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.2

Apr

Avg. High77

Avg. Low65

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

May

Avg. High73

Avg. Low62

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

June

Avg. High69

Avg. Low61

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

July

Avg. High67

Avg. Low60

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

Aug

Avg. High67

Avg. Low60

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

Sept

Avg. High67

Avg. Low59

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

Oct

Avg. High69

Avg. Low60

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

Nov

Avg. High72

Avg. Low62

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

Dec

Avg. High76

Avg. Low65

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

Area: 496,225 square miles

Capital: Lima

Languages: Spanish and Quechua are the official languages; Aymara, and a large number of minor Amazonian languages are also spoken.

Geography: Peru is the third-largest country in South America. Topped by towering Andean peaks, its landscape also includes a portion of the Amazon River Basin and an extension of Chile’s Atacama Desert along the coast. Three of Peru’s largest cities—Lima, Trujillo, and Chiclayo—are in the coastal desert region. The city of Iquitos (population 400,000) is the capital of Peru’s Amazon region on the eastern slope of the Andes. It is accessible only by airplane and Amazon riverboat.

Time zone: Peru is on Peru Time, which is the same time zone as U.S. EST. When it is 6am in New York, it is 6am in Lima.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/). Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

What to Know

For more detailed information about this trip, download our Travel Handbook below. This document covers a wide range of information on specific areas of your trip, from passport, visa, and medical requirements; to the currencies of the countries you’ll visit and the types of electrical outlets you’ll encounter. This handbook is written expressly for this itinerary. For your convenience, we've highlighted our travelers' most common areas of interest on this page.

Cuisine

Travel Documents

Passport

It should be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

It should have the recommended number of blank pages (refer to the handbook for details).

The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable.

Visas

U.S. citizens will need a visa (or visas) for this trip. In addition, there may be other entry requirements that also need to be met. For your convenience, we’ve included a quick reference list, organized by country:

Travelers who are booked on this vacation will be sent a complete Visa Packet— with instructions, applications, and a list of visa fees—approximately 100 days prior to their departure. (Because many countries limit the validity of their visa from the date it is issued, or have a specific time window for when you can apply, we do not recommend applying too early.)

If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not travel with a U.S. passport, or will be traveling independently before/after this trip, then your entry requirements may be different. Please check with the appropriate embassy or a visa servicing company. To contact our recommended visa servicing company, PVS International, call toll-free at 1-800-556-9990.

Vaccinations Information

For a detailed and up-to-date list of vaccinations that are recommended for this trip, please visit the CDC’s “Traveler’s Health” website. You can also refer to the handbook for details.

Before Your Trip

Before you leave on your vacation, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

What to Bring

In an effort to help you bring less, we have included checklists within the handbook, which have been compiled from suggestions by Program Directors and former travelers. The lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You might also want to refer to the climate charts in the handbook or online weather forecasts before you pack. Refer to the handbook for details.

Insider Tips

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Program Directors' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Special Places & Pastimes

El Ateneo (Ave. Santa Fe 1860) is a bookstore inside a refurbished theater in Buenos Aires. It’s not only a good place to shop; it’s also a beautiful building to see. There’s a coffee shop where the stage used to be, and you can spend hours taking advantage of the store’s comfortable armchairs and huge selection of books.

Unique Food & Drink

At Las Nazeranas steakhouse (Reconquista 1132) in Buenos Aires, you can see how Patagonian Gauchos traditionally cook food on a parilla—an iron grill with charcoal below, which gives a unique flavor to everything. A good option for the main course is the bife de lomo (beef tenderloin), and don’t miss the fried potatoes! Dessert can’t be anything but flan con dulce de leche, traditional pudding with South American caramel sauce.Photo courtesy of Dennis Benson on Flickr.

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Program Directors' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Unique Food & Drink

Even though Puerto Varas, Chile, is a very small city by the Llanquihue Lake, it has many options for restaurants. But no other place would prepare salmón cancato as tasty as El Fogón, near the main square. This very unique dish is prepared as if it’s pizza! Instead of pizza dough, they use the salmon and add delicious cheese, tomato, and chopped sausage. It is to die for! And let’s face it—there is no better place to try fish than in Chile. The restaurant is a family business, and you’ll find locals there any time you go. Prices range from $10 to $17 per person for a good meal.Photo courtesy of Pato Berroeta.

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Program Directors' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Iconic Items & Handcrafts

If you’re in Santiago looking for real local handcrafts, you might pay a visit to Pueblito Los Domenicos (9085 Apoquindo Street, Las Condes neighborhood). It is a little neighborhood market where you can find all kinds of crafts, paintings, and carvings from South America, but mostly from Chile. You can also find different displays of clothes. Don’t miss it if you want to get something unique from Chile!

Special Places & Pastimes

A walk along Santiago’s beautiful Forestal Park leads to my favorite museum in town: the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts (Ismael Valdés Vergara). The main hall of the museum has great sculptures. Be sure to see paintings by Claudio Bravo, the master of hyper-realism, and the landscapes of Valenzuela Llanos and the portraits of Valenzuela Puelma are the best. After your visit, enjoy a coffee in one of the many small cafés in the neighborhood.

Unique Food & Drink

Near our hotel in Santiago, Fuente Alemana (Pedro de Valdivia 210) is a sandwich bar with the kitchen in the middle of the restaurant, and friendly ladies prepare your order right in front of you. There are no seats, and it’s usually full of people. But you’ll forget the wait as soon as you take the first bite. The base meat (pork, chicken, or beef) has so many toppings that it’s difficult to describe. You have options like tomato, onion, garlic, and avocado. Each sandwich costs about $10, and they’re big enough for two people to share. If you like a lot of garlic, try the Hungaro, a hamburger made from pork and beef. Before you eat it, make sure you’re in a room alone so you don’t commit a crime against human rights by breathing pure garlic!Photo courtesy of Max Villalobos Lopez on Flickr.

Hidden Gems & Highlights

Near the Franklin subway station, Mercado Persa Bío Bío (Pacer Street) is the market in Santiago with the biggest mixture of rich and poor people. There, you can find antiques, video games, and even fresh fruits and veggies. Very few tourists or foreigners visit, but my wife and I love to go on the weekends. It’s the best place to bargain.Photo courtesy of Gilmar Mattos on Flickr.

Resident Experts

Accommodations

Main Trip

Crowne Plaza Santiago

An above average First Class hotel with some outstanding features and a broad range of services. Guest rooms and public areas are tastefully furnished and very comfortable.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

Located in mid-town Santiago, near the city’s Providencia neighborhood and west of Plaza Baquedano, this Superior First-Class high-rise hotel is just a few blocks from the nearest metro station. Amenities include a fitness center, outdoor pool, piano bar/lounges and full-service restaurant
featuring Italian and Chilean cuisine. Each of its air-conditioned rooms features cable/satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, minibar, iron and ironing board, in-room safe, and private bath with shower and hair dryer.

Hotel Bellavista

An above average First Class hotel with some outstanding features and a broad range of services. Guest rooms and public areas are tastefully furnished and very comfortable.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

The Superior First-Class Hotel Bellavista features views of the nearby Lake Llanquihue, and is a short drive to downtown Puerto Varas. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, and tea room, and its 70 rooms feature cable TV, a safe, telephone, and private bath with shower. At the end of the day, unwind in the on-site sauna available for guests.

Cacique Inacayal Hotel

Bariloche, Argentina

With Nahuel Huapi Lake as its backdrop, the 67-room Cacique Inacayal Hotel welcomes guests with water views and friendly service. A light-flooded six-story atrium is just one of the appealing features in this hotel, which also offers a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna, as well as a Patagonian restaurant. Each room includes private bath, cable TV, and wireless Internet.

Panamericano Buenos Aires

An above average First Class hotel with some outstanding features and a broad range of services. Guest rooms and public areas are tastefully furnished and very comfortable.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

Situated in the heart of vibrant Buenos Aires, the Superior First-Class Panamericano Buenos Aires offers a central location to the city, with amenities such as air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, an in-room safe, satellite TV, and high-speed Internet access. There is also concierge service, as well as laundry facilities and a business center with computers for your use.

Extensions

José Antonio Executive Hotel

Lima, Peru

Located in the heart of Lima’s seaside Miraflores District, the Jose Antonio Executive Hotel offers 44 air-conditioned rooms with cable TV and private bath. A small on-site restaurant serves a daily breakfast buffet, and from the hotel, you’ll find it easy to explore one of Peru’s most famous neighborhoods.

Taypikala Cuzco

Cuzco, Peru

The 51-room Taypikala Cuzco is situated behind the Temple of the Sun, just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas, the city's main square. After spending the day exploring Cuzco, you can relax and enjoy a pisco sour on the lovely patio, or in the restaurant and bar, also located on-site. Rooms feature color/cable TV, direct-dial telephone, in-room safe, and private bath with hair dryer.

Bourbon Cataratas Resort & Convention Center

A dependable, well-maintained hotel with comfortable accommodations and public areas with a full range of services, amenities, and facilities.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

The First-Class Bourbon Hotel is located near the Brazilian-Argentinean border, a perfect place for visitors to the falls. Each of the hotel’s 229 rooms features air-conditioning, cable TV, and wireless Internet access. Enjoy a variety of cuisines at the hotel’s five restaurants, some pampering at the spa, or a dip in the heated pool and whirlpool.

Royal Tulip Rio de Janeiro

An outstanding property offering many of the same features as a Superior Deluxe that, in many instances, may be just as satisfactory. There may be fewer amenities or services.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

The Deluxe Royal Tulip Rio de Janeiro is situated just steps from São Conrado Beach, Gavea Golf Club, and myriad shops and restaurants. Enjoy your spacious accommodations with a balcony and amenities such as a minibar, safe, and satellite TV. And relax in the hotel's on-site fitness center, sauna, and outdoor pool.

Flight Information

Flight Options to Personalize Your Trip

You can choose to stay longer before or after your trip on your own, or combine two vacations to maximize your value.

Extend your vacation and lower your per day cost with our optional pre- and post-trip excursions

Choose our standard air routing, or work with us to select the airline and routing you prefer

Make your own international flight arrangements directly with the airline, applying frequent flyer miles if available

International airport transfers to and from your ship or hotel, including meet and greet service, are available for purchase

Stay overnight in a connecting city before or after your trip

Request to arrive a few days early to get a fresh start on your vacation

Choose to "break away" before or after your trip, spending additional days or weeks on your own

Combine your choice of Grand Circle vacations to maximize your value

Upgrade to business or premium class

The air options listed above may involve additional airfare costs based on your specific choices.

Or, when you make your reservation, you can choose our standard air routing, for which approximate travel times are shown below.

Standard Air Routing

w/out standard air$2495

w/ standard air$3595

Gateway

Travel Time*

Miami

9 hrs

New York (JFK)

11 hrs

Tampa

12 hrs

Atlanta, Orlando

14 hrs

Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles

15 hrs

Minneapolis, Philadelphia

17 hrs

Washington, DC (Dulles)

18 hrs

Denver, Tucson

19 hrs

Seattle

21 hrs

*These are the carriers we are planning to use for your transatlantic flight.

The following information is your approximate flight time to Santiago, Chile. Routing is based on availability and subject to change. You will receive your final air itinerary approximately 14 days prior to departure.

Partner since:2012Total donated:$109,295

Supporting a World Classroom: Argentina

By seeing how children are educated all over the world, we gain a rare understanding of different cultural values—as well as the common values that unite us all. When you visit the Parana Delta, we bring you into a local school supported by Grand Circle Foundation and introduce you to Argentina's future as part of our World Classroom experience (provided class is in session).

"This is our fourth classroom visit with Grand Circle, and it topped them all—we loved the children!"

Rita & William Roth
Sheffield Village, Ohio

Escuela No. 27. "Jorge Hall"

Partner since: 2013 • Total donated: $5,392

Before 2003 when our partnership began, the school was lacking in basic necessities, such as restrooms, walls to shield students from the elements, and a kitchen. Through donations, we’ve provided all this, plus two classrooms, a presentation hall, sidewalks, and a fresh coat of paint.

The school principal, Adonai Oviedo, is excited about the changes at his school, and hopes to make even more improvements with our help. We've already donated computer equipment, as well as contributed to roof repairs and modernizing the children's dining area.

School in session:

March through November

Gifts to bring if you're visiting:

Pencils

Notebooks

New or gently-used clothing

Alan and Harriet Lewis founded Grand Circle Foundation in 1992 as a means of giving back to the world we travel. Because they donate an annually determined amount of revenue from our trips, we consider each one of our travelers as a partner in the Foundation’s work around the world. To date, the Foundation has pledged or donated more than $97 million in support of 300 different organizations—including 60 villages and nearly 100 schools that lie in the paths of our journeys.

Pay Early & Save with our Exclusive Good Buy Plan

It’s simple: The earlier you reserve and pay in full by check or electronic funds transfer, the more you’ll save on any 2015 departure of Discover South America: Chile & Argentina

Enjoy the best value by reserving and paying in full as far in advance of your departure as possible—see below for an example of how your savings can add up

By paying in full early, you’ll protect your investment from fuel surcharge increases, currency increases, or other unexpected costs

You’ll also save on your air add-ons, and pre- and post-trip extensions, maximizing your value even further

This example demonstrates how you can save, based on a 12/11/15 departure:

ORIGINAL PRICE
per person

SAVE 5%
when you reserve by 3/11/15

SAVE 3%
when you reserve by 5/11/15

Land Tour only price:

$2595

$2465

$2517

Add a 5-night Brazil's Iguassu Falls & Rio de Janeiro extension:

$1595

$1515

$1547

Add international airfare out of Miami:

$1100

$1045

$1067

Total price per person

$5290

$5026

$5131

Total savings per couple

$529

$317

Please note: Prices shown are per person. The savings shown above are per couple and are only an example. Your actual savings will vary depending on how you plan your trip. To receive your eligible savings, you have until the applicable Good Buy Plan deadline to pay in full by check or electronic funds transfer. Eligible savings are calculated on your entire trip price after any non-cash payments have been deducted (credit cards, vouchers, credits, certificates) based on how many months prior to departure you have paid in full. Grand Circle's Good Buy Plan is not applicable on reservations where credit card payments exceed the initial deposit plus Travel Protection Plan amounts, or inside of 90 days of departure.

Maximize your value by using the money you save for an optional trip extension

Enjoy the opportunity to visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

We often find that the best endorsements of our discovery-rich vacations come directly from our travelers. From crashing waterfalls and the imposing Andes to the vibrant tango and world-famous wines—here are some of the memorable experiences that travelers have shared with us our South America tour.

Petrohue Falls, Chile
"The water thundered down between ridges of black, volcanic rock, raising up clouds of mist. It roiled around in pools of all sizes, then spilled over or down into wider channels where the turquoise color of the glacial water was absolutely stunning. And where the water was still, we could see, through the crystalline water, incredible detail of the rocks in the river bed. And in the cracks of the lava sprouted little tufts of yellow flowers.A 12-time traveler from Grafton, WI

School visit
"The most heartwarming place was School #27 outside of Buenos Aires. A very poor public school with many immigrant children that is funded by Grand Circle Foundation. The children were precious and so eager to show you their school. There's no way you couldn't be proud of Grand Circle."A 4-time traveler from Los Altos, CA

Campanario Hill, Argentina
"The ride on the chairlift to the top of Campanario Hill near Bariloche was the highlight of the trip for me. The day was warm and crystal clear and the view from the top was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen."A 9-time traveler from Bradenton, FL

Tango Show & Dinner optional tour
"I recommend the tango show in Buenos Aires … the food was good, the entertainment dazzling, and best of all, the wine was free-flowing."A 6-time traveler from Claremont, CA

Santiago, Chile
"My wife and I took the funicular in Santiago and saw a wonderful zoo perched on the side of the mountain. We went up farther to the top and saw a spectacular view of Santiago and the Andes."A 13-time traveler from Gilmer, TX

Patagonian ranch visit, Argentina
"The town of Bariloche is beautiful and the Patagonian Steppe most unusual, as we found out on our trip to an estancia out in the middle of nowhere. What fun we had learning about the gauchos, climbing to the top of the hill to get a better view of the ranch, and drinking yerba mate."A 15-time traveler from Beverly Hills, FL

Buenos Aires, Argentina
"Buenos Aires is a beautiful city … La Boca used to be the fishing port, it’s intriguing and lively, full of colorful houses and shops."A 7-time traveler from Plymouth, IN

Chilean family winery
"We were treated to a visit to a family-owned vineyard and winery for wine-tasting, empanadas, and dinner—with lots more wine. Great family, lots of laughs—and wine drinking."A 6-time traveler from Portland, OR

For reservations and information about our South America tour, call us toll-free at 1-800-221-2610

Big Landscapes, Big Personalities

The dramatic characters of Bariloche

by David Valdes Greenwood, for Grand Circle

The story begins simply enough: with one determined character.

Argentina’s beloved outdoor playground, San Carlos de Bariloche, is known for the beauty of its mountains and lakes. But for a richer understanding of the city, it’s worth taking a cue from the word “Bariloche”, a version of the indigenous term Vuriloche, which literally means “the people behind.” To fully appreciate the city, it helps to meet some of the most fascinating “people behind” its colorful 117-year history.

Sweet beginnings

The story begins simply enough: with one determined character. Carlos Wiederhold, a German immigrant living in Chile, wanted to live in the Andes, and settled on the current site of Bariloche in 1895. He opened a general store named not for its contents but himself: La Alemena (the German). This small wooden outpost, which sold everything from sundries to penny candy, soon attracted his fellow Germans and Austrians, as well as a few Italians and Slovenians. With this mix as its founding population, perhaps it’s no surprise that the city modeled much of its architecture after Europe, designing itself to look like a fairy-tale village.

But Weiderhold was not the only European named Carlos to define the city. In 1928, Swiss candymaker Carlos Tribelhorn (often misspelled as Triberholn) opened a chocolate shop in the city center. The handmade confections combined traditional Swiss chocolate-making skills with the use of regional fruit. The unassuming white-stone shop, a wooden balcony its only flourish, drew crowds of eager locals, and soon other master chocolatiers opened storefronts. To this day, Bariloche is synonymous with chocolate for many Argentines.

The dark side

Not everyone came to Bariloche with aims of contributing to local life. One notorious duo famously used Bariloche as a way station on their criminal exploits. In the 1880s. Robert Parker and Harry Longabaugh, better known as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, fled to Argentina in hopes of ditching the well-known Pinkerton Detective Agency, which had been pursuing the bank robbers since their Wild Bunch days. After several quiet years ranching in their adopted country, the pair returned to their bank-robbing ways, which revealed their location to Pinkerton detectives, who had never stopped trailing them.

With their cover blown, the duo set off for Bariloche, traversing Lake Nahuel Huapi safely into Chile. But Argentina still beckoned them, and when the heat died down, they returned. This time, their idyll was shorter: Within the year, the pair robbed yet another bank, and once again, Bariloche was their escape hatch. They hiked from the outskirts of the city into the mountains, leaving the frustrated Pinkerton detectives in their wake. The robbers never made it back to Bariloche, though historians still debate whether they died in a Bolivian shootout or retired to life as ranchers elsewhere.

The same remoteness that made the city so attractive to the famous outlaws made it an ideal haven for criminals who occupied a much darker place in history a half-century later. After World War II, Argentina became a destination for Nazis trying to escape prosecution. While easy-to-recognize figures like Adolph Eichmann passed through Bariloche briefly, others were able to fly under the radar and settle in. One SS Captain, for instance, lived here 50 years—eventually sitting on the board of a local school—before his discovery and arrest. Bariloche’s most notorious author, Abel Basti, even claims that Hitler and mistress Eva Braun did not die in Germany, but in fact lived out the rest of their lives here. Though such a claim is easily disputed, it seems fitting that Bariloche's dramatic landscapes might give rise to such wild speculations.

Visions of grandeur

Wild ideas played a central role in a scheme intended to put Argentina on the scientific map. In 1948. President Juan Peron chose Bariloche’s Huemul Island to be the location of the world’s first fusion reactor. The top-secret project cost $300 million—and failed. The official reason for the flop was that the advanced technology needed was simply not available in such a remote locale at that time. The reason given by most locals was that Ronald Richter, the plant overseer, was mentally unhinged. With his wild mop of hair and a penchant for wearing spy-style raincoats at all times, the man who claimed he could deliver nuclear energy in milk bottles was taken seriously by few aside from Peron. The President eventually admitted his error, shutting down the project in embarrassment, while leaving behind an empty complex, the remnants of which can still be visited today.

A man who had no such problem finishing what he started was Alejandro Bustillo, whose architecture anchors the city. One of the nation’s most acclaimed painters and architects, Bustillo designed the luxury Llao Llao Hotel, a grand all-wood structure—which burnt to the ground nearly as soon as it was finished. Undeterred, he redesigned the hotel to mimic its original glory but in concrete and stone, and the sweeping, red-roofed result became a town icon. (It remains a member of The Leading Hotels of the World consortium.) Among his other edifices here, the Cathedral of San Carlos de Bariloche is most striking, a castle-like Neo-Gothic church that furthers the impression of a European idyll.

Discover South America: Chile & Argentina

Call us to reserve your next vacation 1-800-221-2610

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Crowne Plaza Santiago

Located in mid-town Santiago, near the city’s Providencia neighborhood and west of Plaza Baquedano, this Superior First-Class high-rise hotel is just a few blocks from the nearest metro station. Amenities include a fitness center, outdoor pool, piano bar/lounges and full-service restaurant
featuring Italian and Chilean cuisine. Each of its air-conditioned rooms features cable/satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, minibar, iron and ironing board, in-room safe, and private bath with shower and hair dryer.

The Superior First-Class Hotel Bellavista features views of the nearby Lake Llanquihue, and is a short drive to downtown Puerto Varas. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, and tea room, and its 70 rooms feature cable TV, a safe, telephone, and private bath with shower. At the end of the day, unwind in the on-site sauna available for guests.

Cacique Inacayal Hotel

With Nahuel Huapi Lake as its backdrop, the 67-room Cacique Inacayal Hotel welcomes guests with water views and friendly service. A light-flooded six-story atrium is just one of the appealing features in this hotel, which also offers a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna, as well as a Patagonian restaurant. Each room includes private bath, cable TV, and wireless Internet.

Situated in the heart of vibrant Buenos Aires, the Superior First-Class Panamericano Buenos Aires offers a central location to the city, with amenities such as air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, an in-room safe, satellite TV, and high-speed Internet access. There is also concierge service, as well as laundry facilities and a business center with computers for your use.

Located in the heart of Lima’s seaside Miraflores District, the Jose Antonio Executive Hotel offers 44 air-conditioned rooms with cable TV and private bath. A small on-site restaurant serves a daily breakfast buffet, and from the hotel, you’ll find it easy to explore one of Peru’s most famous neighborhoods.

The 51-room Taypikala Cuzco is situated behind the Temple of the Sun, just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas, the city's main square. After spending the day exploring Cuzco, you can relax and enjoy a pisco sour on the lovely patio, or in the restaurant and bar, also located on-site. Rooms feature color/cable TV, direct-dial telephone, in-room safe, and private bath with hair dryer.

The First-Class Bourbon Hotel is located near the Brazilian-Argentinean border, a perfect place for visitors to the falls. Each of the hotel’s 229 rooms features air-conditioning, cable TV, and wireless Internet access. Enjoy a variety of cuisines at the hotel’s five restaurants, some pampering at the spa, or a dip in the heated pool and whirlpool.

The Deluxe Royal Tulip Rio de Janeiro is situated just steps from São Conrado Beach, Gavea Golf Club, and myriad shops and restaurants. Enjoy your spacious accommodations with a balcony and amenities such as a minibar, safe, and satellite TV. And relax in the hotel's on-site fitness center, sauna, and outdoor pool.

Join us for an up-close look at the vast Northern Patagonian steppe through the amphitheater of the Limay River. A popular site for fly-fishing, this river is home to an abundance of large rainbow and brown trout. Enjoy the steppe landscape and fresh air while you and your fellow travelers float leisurely by raft.

Tango Show - $95/person

Now that you've learned the basics of the tango, see how it's really done. Join us this evening for a taste of local culture at a sophisticated tango club. You'll begin the night with dinner and good conversation with your fellow travelers. After dinner, enjoy a show by some of the most professional tango dancers in Buenos Aires accompanied by a live tango orchestra. The cost of this optional tour includes dinner.

Daniel Cavalcante

96% of travelers rated Daniel as "excellent"

"Daniel was one of the very best Program Directors we have ever had. He was humorous, friendly, helpful, and an overall joy to be with. You can't do better than Daniel!"

Olga & Lennart Ostrom 6-time travelers from Sedona, Arizona

Get to know Daniel

Born

Iguassu Falls, Brazil

Resides

Curitiba, Brazil

Languages

English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian

Hobbies & Interests

Listening to music, going to the movies or the theater with my wife, reading

With us since 2009

I grew up in Iguassu Falls, Brazil, bordering Paraguay and Argentina. In the early 80s, opportunities for education, health care, and other basic needs were not available for everyone. I come from a middle-class family, so we were able to make ends meet. But if one of us wanted to succeed, we’d have to look for opportunities ourselves. I owe the person I am today to my parents—but also to my determination. My favorite memories of growing up are receiving my first salary and enrolling in an English course.

After my first year of English studies, I worked as a local guide at Iguassu Falls to brush up my conversation skills. I met awesome people and broadened my knowledge about traveling and communication. But soon, my town became too small for me, and off I went to Oxford, U.K., where I lived for six amazing months. In 2004, I came back to Brazil for college, majoring in communications.

I’m very happy to have the chance to show my travelers that South America is not what they’ve heard in the media back home. Many travelers tell me, “Daniel, I often thought of South America as being very poor and underdeveloped. But after seeing the development in Santiago, the beauty of Patagonia, and how European Buenos Aires is, I just want to tell everyone back home what a great part of the world this is.” It is so rewarding to hear this from seasoned travelers! What I like most about Chile and Argentina is their diversity. They’re so close and yet so different in every way. As soon as you cross the border, everything changes: the food, the people (especially their personalities and characters), the landscapes, and the whole atmosphere.

Marina Fariña

94% of travelers rated Marina as "excellent"

"Marina did a great job! She's very efficient, and she always kept our group in high spirits. I loved that she provided many delightful surprises along the way."

Robert Rathoff 9-time traveler from Satellite Beach, Florida

Get to know Marina

Born

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Resides

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Languages

English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, some French

Hobbies & Interests

Photography, learning languages, meeting new people

With us since 2008

In Argentina, you learn as a kid that you have to work hard for what you want, but the system doesn’t always give you a fair reward. On the other hand, growing up here is a magnificent experience because we are a multicultural society, with many immigrants from all around the world. After many years of dictatorship, it is good to see that our society has a wide-open mind again.

I have been working in tourism for 20 years. My career includes many interesting subjects like geography, history, art, language, and psychology. I discover new things all the time, and I get to meet people from all around the world. When I realized that guiding involves lots of responsibilities and making important decisions, I grew even more passionate about it. Argentinians are very proud, and we believe that we can solve any problem with minimum resources. We joke that we can fix everything with a piece of wire, if necessary.

Get to know Luis

I grew up during the dictatorship of Pinochet, knowing that there were forbidden names, places, and books. The military regime considered my father a threat, so he was in hiding all the time and could not live with my mother and me. I didn’t meet him until I was nine years old. After the dictatorship, I lived with my father for many years. My parents taught me to respect life, family, hard work, and God. They made me who I am today.

I used to be a teacher, and I’ve realized that guiding is a lot like teaching. You are in front of travelers like you are in front of a classroom, and you give instructions and enjoy the group. I like to make sure everybody is learning.

Being a Program Director has given me the chance to learn so much about my region. I have always loved Chile, especially the welcoming and caring people and the tranquility—even in the big cities. But I love it even more now that I have traveled and seen the most beautiful landscapes in South America. I have met interesting people, and my job has given me the best years of my life.

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No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

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Earn rewards up to a FREE TRIP when you host a Travel Party. A Grand Circle Representative will share a vacation presentation, a raffle, and exclusive savings for your guests. For each new traveler who reserves after your party, you’ll earn increasing rewards, valued up to $5,800.

Worldwide Discovery

Traveling with Grand Circle is about more than sightseeing. It’s about immersing yourself in other cultures, sharing the warm camaraderie of like-minded American travelers, and feeling comfortable, safe, and well-cared for every step of the way....

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No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

Personalize your trip

Airport Transfers

We’ve listened to your feedback, and will now offer international airport transfers to and from your hotel to our travelers who choose to purchase their own airfare on any Grand Circle vacation as part of our Personalize Your Trip program, which allows you create the Grand Circle vacation that's right for you.

Inner Circle Club

Many Grand Circle travelers return to discover the world with us time and time again, and to show our appreciation, we've created the Inner Circle, a membership rewards program for travelers who've joined us on three or more vacations.

People and Culture

Grand Circle Foundation

Alan and Harriet Lewis created the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation with the mission of changing people’s lives through travel—which includes both the travelers who journey with OAT, and the local people who welcome us so warmly into their homelands.

Cuba People-to-People

Grand Circle Foundation is one of the few organizations sanctioned by the U.S. government to offer legal, fully-licensed travel to Cuba. By limiting our group size to just 12-20 participants on each of our two unique programs, we’re able to provide you with rich insights into Cuban life.

Facebook

Learn more about our Facebook online community, a place where you can stay connected with Grand Circle and your fellow travelers. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, get advice, find travel companions, learn what’s new at Grand Circle, share your photos, videos, and stories, and more.

Traveler Celebration Events

Our regional Traveler Celebration Events are opportunities for you to meet other world travelers who share your passion for learning and discovery, swap travel stories, and give us feedback on how we can to make your experience even better—plus, you’ll be one of the first to preview upcoming trips.

Want to get to know us?

Join us for a free and informative Travel Presentation & Reception in your area EXCLUSIVELY for new customers, and discover why—with Grand Circle & Overseas Adventure Travel—your next trip will be the experience of a lifetime. At this event and luncheon, you will learn what sets our travel company apart from the rest.

Upcoming Events in Boston

If you live in or around Greater Boston, or plan to visit the area in the future, I hope you’ll consider joining Grand Circle in Harriet’s Corner—the special space in our Boston headquarters that serves as a physical embodiment of the “virtual” community we share online.

Grand Circle Gallery

Grand Circle Gallery in Boston invites you to view our extensive collection of vintage travel posters and breathtaking black-and-white photography from Alan and Harriet Lewis’ private collection, as well as special exhibits on other travel-related themes.

Any questions? Schedule a call with our expert Travel Counselors at a time that’s convenient for you. Fill out the form to the right, and we’ll call you to:

Find your best possible value

Compare travel dates based on weather, pricing, and more

Coordinate plans with friends or family

Check the availability of single spaces and extensions

Answer any other questions

Or, make your reservation

Our Travel Counselors are ready to answer any questions you have about your reservation—simply complete the form to the right to get started. A member of our Traveler Support Department will contact you by your preferred method to answer your questions, which may include: